Sole-Source Contracts
A contract awarded without competition because the agency has determined only one source can perform the work — a procurement method, not a small-business program. Several set-aside programs allow sole-source awards within certain dollar thresholds.
Who qualifies
Sole-source awards are made when an agency determines (with written justification, called a J&A — Justification and Approval) that only one responsible source can meet the requirement. Justifications include: only one source exists, urgency, national security, or follow-on work where competition would duplicate cost. Within the small-business programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, EDWOSB, SDVOSB), sole-source awards are allowed up to specific dollar thresholds without the "only one source" finding.
How to certify
Sole-source is a procurement method, not a certification. To be considered for sole-source awards, your firm must (1) be in active conversation with the contracting officer about the requirement, (2) have a documented capability that meets the agency's need, and (3) for set-aside sole-source, hold the relevant certification (8(a), HUBZone, etc.).
What it gets you
Award without competing against other firms — when it works. Sole-source set-aside thresholds: 8(a) up to $4.5M / $7M (manufacturing), HUBZone $4M / $7M, WOSB/EDWOSB $4.5M / $7M, SDVOSB $4M / $7M.
Common misconception
Sole-source does not mean "guaranteed" or "easy." Most sole-source justifications are challenged by other vendors, and contracting officers must document why sole-source was justified. Bid protests on sole-source awards are not uncommon.
Live bids referencing Sole Source
- RFI Smart Cop Sole Source
- RFI SOLE SOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIATIES
- RFI SOLE SOURCE DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP
- Intent to Sole Source for Charon Technologies MSU is considering a Sole Source award to Charon Technologies, LLC for radio frequency monitoring and electronic warfare system products with training.
- Intent to Sole Source The Montana Public Service Commission, to award a Sole Source contract to Boone Karlberg P.C. for Legal Services.
- Intent to Sole Source CounterBalanceAI The Department of Public Health and Human Services is intending to Sole Source with: CounterBalanceAI
- Intent to Sole Source Implementation Solutions The Department of Public Health and Human Services is intending to Sole Source with: Implementation Solutions
- Sole Source No. 5002; for the sole source certification of Modeling System software maintenance for the Department of Transportation.
- Sole Source No. 5013; for sole source certification of traffic signal software maintenance for the Department of Transportation.
- Sole Source No. 5013; for sole source certification of traffic signal software maintenance for the Department of Transportation.